George Santos Pleads Not Guilty To Fraud, Theft Charges: Feds

BAYSIDE, QUEENS — U.S. Rep. George Santos pleaded not guilty after he was charged with 13 counts including financial fraud, money laundering, and false statements, federal prosecutors said.

Santos, 34, was released from custody on a $500,000 bond after making the plea at the federal courthouse in Central Islip, New York., officials said.

He tweeted "WITCH HUNT!" on Wednesday afternoon.

The freshman lawmaker pleaded not guilty to theft of public funds and lying to Congress, according to federal prosecutors. He was arrested in Long Island, and he was scheduled to come back to court on June 30th before U.S. District Judge Joanna Seybert.

The indictment, unsealed on Wednesday, charges Santos, with defrauding prospective political supporters by laundering money to pay for his personal expenses.

The embattled Republican also stands accused of receiving unemployment benefits while he had a job.

“The allegations in the indictment charge Santos with relying on repeated dishonesty and deception to ascend to the halls of Congress and enrich himself," said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace.